Organization aims to raise $250,000 during August while using Southern California’s offshore fishery to help veterans heal during America’s 250th anniversary year.
For many Southern California boaters, time on the water is a chance to unplug, recharge and reconnect with family and friends. For combat-wounded veterans, that same experience can offer something even more powerful: healing.
That’s the mission behind War Heroes on Water (WHOW), which has launched its annual August fundraising campaign with an ambitious goal of raising $250,000 to support this year’s tournament and the year-round programs that benefit combat-wounded veterans and their families.
This year’s campaign carries special significance as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In recognition of the milestone, WHOW is calling on the boating and fishing community to honor those who have served by helping reach its fundraising goal during the month of August.
“America’s 250th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the generations of men and women who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation and our freedom,” said Rod Halperin, tournament director for War Heroes on Water. “As the country marks this milestone, we’re honoring those who made it possible by giving back to combat-wounded veterans in a meaningful way and coming together as a community to support the heroes who have sacrificed so much.”
To help maximize donations, four corporate partners—loanDepot, F&F Capital, Novare National Settlement Service and Commonwealth Land Title—have pledged to match every donation made throughout August, dollar for dollar, up to $125,000. If the match is met, the campaign will generate the organization’s $250,000 fundraising goal.
Funds raised will support the annual War Heroes on Water tournament while also benefiting Freedom Alliance, WHOW’s nonprofit partner, which provides year-round therapeutic programs, scholarships and other services for combat-wounded veterans and their families.
According to Halperin, the impact of those donations extends well beyond tournament weekend.
“WHOW harnesses the healing power of the open ocean and Southern California’s sportfishing community to help combat-wounded veterans heal from both physical and emotional wounds,” Halperin said. “The experience creates a sense of belonging, camaraderie and connection that lasts long after our veterans leave the water.”
He noted that while 130 veterans will participate in this year’s tournament, the funds raised also allow Freedom Alliance to continue supporting thousands of veterans and military families throughout the year. Since its inception, War Heroes on Water has directly served 675 veterans on the water and has raised more than $8 million to expand those programs.
This year’s tournament is expected to be the largest in the organization’s history.
“We’re expecting our biggest event yet, with 130 combat-wounded veterans fishing aboard a fleet of 60 of Southern California’s finest sportfishing vessels,” Halperin said.
Veterans from across the country will arrive in Newport Beach on Sept. 25, where they will receive a welcome before boarding privately donated sportfishing yachts for several days of offshore fishing and camaraderie. Country music artist Clay Hollis will perform during the kickoff celebration before the fleet assembles for a patriotic boat parade through Newport Harbor on Sept. 26. The public is invited to watch the parade beginning at 4:30 p.m. from viewing areas around the Balboa Basin. Following nearly three days on the water, the fleet will reunite in Avalon Harbor for a flyover by the Tiger Squadron’s vintage World War II aircraft before the tournament weigh-in and celebration at the Green Pleasure Pier.
The tournament also arrives during one of Southern California’s strongest offshore fishing seasons in recent memory.
“It’s incredibly exciting,” Halperin said. “Southern California has experienced exceptional offshore fishing conditions this year, and that only adds to what is already a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our veterans. We’re seeing the possibility of species that are rarely encountered in local waters, which could create some unforgettable moments and make the competition even more exciting.”
Still, Halperin said the fish themselves are only part of the experience.
“While the fishing is certainly a major draw, what we hope our veterans take away most is the feeling of being part of something special, building new friendships and creating memories they’ll carry with them long after the tournament is over.”
For the recreational boating community, the event serves as another reminder that fishing can be about far more than filling a fish box.
Kaleb Weakley, a veteran and War Heroes on Water alumnus, said there is something uniquely calming about spending time offshore.
“There is something uniquely calming about being on the open ocean. Away from the demands of everyday life, our veterans can slow down, relax and simply be present in the moment,” Weakley said.
Weakley said those quiet moments often become the foundation for lasting relationships.
“As our veterans spend time together on the water, they begin sharing experiences and building relationships with fellow veterans who understand what they’ve been through in a way few others can,” Weakley said. “The bonds extend beyond the veterans themselves. Captains and crew members become part of the support system as well, creating a lifelong family and support system.”
One veteran who experienced that firsthand is Mea Peterson, a veteran and War Heroes on Water alumna, who was among the first female combat-wounded veterans invited to participate in the tournament.
“I was invited to be one of the first four female combat-wounded veterans at War Heroes on Water. I could not have imagined that in my second year I would become the first female to individually place in the tournament, much less finish second overall in weight points out of 115 anglers. There is absolutely no way I could have done it without an amazing crew by my side. I love my boat, El Cazador, so much, and they are truly like brothers to me. It feels like home on that boat. The people and connections I’ve made at WHOW mean the world to me and have helped me through so much,” Peterson said.
Halperin said stories like Peterson’s embody the organization’s mission.
“That’s what WHOW is all about. The fishing brings people together, but it’s the lasting relationships, sense of belonging and support network that leave the greatest impact,” Halperin said.
Members of the boating and fishing community can support the organization in a variety of ways, including making tax-deductible donations, sponsoring the tournament, donating auction items, volunteering during tournament weekend or participating as yacht owners and captains.
“Every contribution, whether it’s financial support, time, expertise or hospitality, helps create an unforgettable experience for combat-wounded veterans and extends the impact of the programs supported through Freedom Alliance,” Halperin said.
Looking beyond this year’s event, Halperin hopes the tournament continues expanding its reach while demonstrating the unique healing power of Southern California’s boating and fishing community.
“WHOW saves lives, and we want every veteran who joins us to know they are not alone and that an entire community stands beside them long after the tournament ends,” Halperin said. “That’s the legacy we hope to continue building for years to come.”
Supporters interested in contributing to this year’s campaign can make donations throughout August, when every dollar donated will be matched up to the $125,000 limit. Organizers hope the combined efforts of donors, sponsors and Southern California’s boating community will help the campaign reach its $250,000 goal while honoring America’s 250th anniversary and the men and women who have sacrificed in its service.
